Primary finding
Probable cause
Improper use of carburetor heat by the pilot-in-command.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While en route back to the airstrip after a local flight a loss of engine power was experienced. The pilot stated he applied carburetor heat and engine power was regained. After removing carburetor heat, the engine rpm again decreased. After this occurred two more times, the pilot chose a field in which to make an emergency landing. The terrain was rough and during the landing roll, the right wing contacted the ground, and the nose gear collapsed. Icing probability charts indicate that the existing temperature/dewpoint of 25 degrees and 16 degrees respectively was conducive to the formation of light carburetor icing at glide and cruise power settings.
Source record
Factual narrative
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